Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Apr 22: Notwithstanding the final nod of Jammu University Council for introduction of Semester system at Graduation level and Choice Based Credit system at PG level from the forthcoming academic session, ground level preparations for switching over to the new system are yet to gear up.
As implementation of the two crucial decisions requires mega exercise, which includes technological intervention and additional manpower involving financial implications as well as working out the modalities, the much talked about new systems are unlikely to take off from the forthcoming session, official sources informed the Excelsior.
No adequate ground work has been done in this regard so far by the University authorities even as only two months are left for commencement of the new academic session, sources explained.
Pertinent to mention that the JU Council, which is the apex decision making body of the university, had recently approved the introduction of Semester system at Under- Graduation level and Choice Based Credit System at Post–Graduation level from the academic session 2014-15.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been pushing for the introduction of the choice-based credit system as part of its academic reforms at universities across the country. The new system replaces the marking system by credits, which the student has to accumulate throughout his/her duration of the course conducted in semester pattern besides opting for an elective course.
According to the sources, the switching over from existing system to the new one involves huge exercise in which entire stationery of the Examination wing needs to be replaced besides technological interventions such as substituting new software of the computers.
Further, the introduction of new system requires additional manpower in the Examination wing, which is already overburdened. The JU Examination Wing, which is presently conducting exams of around 1.5 lakh students every year, already needs re-organization as the strength of total colleges has gone from 55 to 200. Moreover, their space problem, particularly in newly established colleges, which are being run in the temporary buildings or even in the schools.
Besides, sources added, there is no clarity on certain issues such as minimum classes for appearing in the exams, carry on system, internal or external assessment, re-evaluation, supplementary etc for which modalities are yet to be finalized by the University authorities.
The entire system of Examination Wing, which is already on ventilator in view of the unprecedented load and mess by the University authorities, is likely to collapse if the new system is introduced in a hurry, sources predict.
When contacted, JU Registrar, Prof Manoj K Dhar said that the university was already on job for implementation of the new systems, which are hoped to be at place from the new academic session. However, at the same time, he admitted that minutes of the Academic Council were not yet received and hence nothing could be said on the fate of its decisions.
Meanwhile, according to the sources, the JU is likely to convene a meeting of the concerned officers tomorrow to discuss the modalities for introduction of semester system at Graduation level as well as choice based credit system at PG level.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel